Crying Vessel – Sepulchers: The Maiden (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Cold Transmission Music)
Crying Vessel was formed in 2010 and has released several albums on various labels. Earlier this year, they returned with two simultaneous albums, now released on Cold Transmission.
“Sepulchers: The Maiden” showcases the band’s more familiar territory. The album features 10 tracks that sit somewhere between Dark-Wave and Cold-Wave. To me, it feels like a hybrid of IAMX and The Cure: the atmosphere and some arrangements evoke The Cure, while the vocals and certain melodic touches recall IAMX. Yet, the band has clearly developed its own distinct sound, and the album contains several standout moments. Every element feels meticulously crafted, with the highlight being the guitar work, which creates a dark, dreamy ambiance. This is further enhanced by lush, evocative synth arrangements.
Overall, this is a great record that reflects the group’s maturity, experience, and undeniable talent. (Rating:8).
Its companion album, “Sepulchers: The Servant”, was announced alongside it in 2024.
Listen to “Bite Down”:
About Crying Vessel
Crying Vessel is a Swiss-American post-punk and darkwave duo. Slade Templeton started it as a solo project in 2010, and it grew into a full band after drummer Basil Oberli joined. The duo’s sound draws on 1980s and 1990s aesthetics with a modern production approach, and its songs return often to themes of love, loss, and the supernatural.
The duo had released six earlier albums through labels including Manic Depression Records and Cleopatra Records before moving to Cold Transmission Music. In 2025 the duo issued two companion albums for the label, “Sepulchers: The Servant” and “Sepulchers: The Maiden”, the second of which is reviewed here.
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